Unprecedented Discoveries – Masterpieces by Rosalba Carriera and Angelica Kauffmann at the Fondazione dell'Albero d'Oro

Fondazione dell'Albero d'Oro is delighted to present one of the most fascinating discoveries featured in its new exhibition Di storie e di arte. Three Centuries of Life at Palazzo Vendramin Grimani, open to the public from April 12 to November 23, 2025.

Thanks to four years of in-depth research conducted by curators Massimo Favilla and Ruggero Rugolo, the exhibition unveils a series of previously unknown paintings from the collections of the families who inhabited the palace over the centuries.
Among these works are masterpieces by two major 18th-century female artists: Rosalba Carriera and Angelica Kauffmann.

Rosalba Carriera’s Unpublished Pastels

One of the most remarkable highlights of the exhibition is the presentation of four previously unpublished pastels by Rosalba Carriera (1673–1757), including portraits of members of the Grimani Giustinian family, which further enrich the artist’s already extensive body of work. The works on display include Portrait of Isabella Correr Pisani, Portrait of Maria Pisani Grimani Giustinian, Portrait of Marcantonio Grimani Giustinian, and a depiction of the Blessed Virgin.

These portraits, previously unknown to the wider public, offer a unique testimony to Carriera’s exceptional talent for capturing the psychological essence of her subjects. The pastels are characterized by a delicate interplay of light and shadow that enhances the distinctive features of each sitter: Isabella Correr Pisani is depicted with a poised posture and a direct yet kind gaze, while Maria Pisani Grimani Giustinian appears with a detached expression that lends her figure a distinctive presence. The Portrait of Marcantonio Grimani Giustinian stands out for the energy conveyed through the young man’s eyes, suggesting an open and lively spirit. The Blessed Virgin, by contrast, is a deeply spiritual composition, imbued with a gentle languor that evokes maternal tenderness.

Restored in 2024 by conservator Sara Grinzato, these pastels offer a fresh perspective on Rosalba Carriera’s mastery, allowing the public to appreciate the artist beyond her most renowned portraits.

The Portrait of Elisabetta Corner Grimani Giustinian by Angelica Kauffmann

Equally significant are the discoveries related to Angelica Kauffmann, one of the most celebrated female painters of the 18th century. The exhibition features the Portrait of Elisabetta Corner Grimani Giustinian, commissioned by the Grimani Giustinian family in 1782 and recently restored. This portrait, depicting Elisabetta in an elegant and refined pose, is a striking example of Kauffmann’s talent for capturing the inner world of her subjects. Elisabetta is portrayed with a veil slipping from her shoulders and a gentle, intelligent gaze that lends the painting an aura of serenity.

The use of pearls and flowers, combined with the light that highlights the texture of the fabric, makes this painting one of the gems of 18th-century portraiture. The artist’s signature and the inscription “Angelica Kauffman pinx: anno 1782,” which emerged during the restoration, confirm both the authenticity and the provenance of this exceptional work.

With the unveiling of these previously unseen works, the Fondazione dell'Albero d'Oro offers a unique opportunity for all art and history enthusiasts to admire masterpieces that have remained hidden for centuries, preserving the charm and beauty of an extraordinary era.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the exhibition Di storie e di arte. Three Centuries of Life at Palazzo Vendramin Grimani and discover the hidden treasures that Palazzo Vendramin Grimani has to offer.

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